Hi,

For years, we’ve seen governments twist facts, cherry-pick numbers, and spin narratives to fit their agenda. But what my colleague uncovered in this final edition of The Ministry of Truth series borders on the absurd — almost deserving of satire.

This time, the government, which had directed all its arms to poke holes in or question global indices, wasn’t just disputing these rankings — it was quietly agreeing with them. In secret.

In the concluding part of our investigative series, Shreegireesh Jalihaal reveals how officials in the Ministry of Law and Justice admitted on paper that corruption, politicised investigative agencies, and the criminalisation of politics are eroding India’s democracy and the rule of law.

These internal criticisms surfaced even as the government worked to discredit global indices like the Rule of Law Index and Democracy Index.

You’d think such admissions might spark some reforms. But instead, the government doubled down, moulding perceptions while evading accountability. And the result? Plummeting rankings and deepening cracks in India’s institutions.

For more, read the final part here.

If you missed the earlier parts, catch up here:

Part 1: Inside Modi Govt’s War Room to Whitewash Global Indices

Part 2: To Show Dramatic Reduction in Poverty, Modi Gov’t Rigged a Homemade Poverty Index

We’ve poured months of effort into this series, navigating resource challenges while chasing ambitious investigations. But journalism like this comes at a cost. As the year draws to a close, it’s been a tough winter for us at The Collective. Without your support, we won’t be able to continue into the new year as a team.

If you believe in holding those in power accountable, please donate generously to keep us going. Your contribution keeps this work alive.

Donate here: https://www.reporters-collective.in/support-us

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Warm regards,

Furquan Ameen,
Editor, The Collective